Academic FAQs
How does the trimester calendar work?
Union’s academic year begins in early September and ends in mid-June. Trimesters divide the academic year into three 10-week terms, in which most students accumulate credits at the rate of three a term (nine a year) over a four-year period. (Think 3-3-3.) We enjoy an extended winter break from Thanksgiving through the New Year (five or six weeks) and a week-long break following winter term. Keep in mind that while our flexible calendar offers academic depth and flexibility, a Union course covers the same amount of material in 10 weeks that other colleges cover in a semester. Students appreciate the opportunity to concentrate on three courses at a time, with time for research, work, internships, clubs and other activities. Additionally, more than 60 percent of our students are able to study abroad.
How many programs and majors does Union offer? And what degrees can I get?
There are 36 degree programs and a wealth of interdisciplinary and interdepartmental programs and majors. Union offers the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in anthropology, art (art history, music, theater arts and visual arts), astronomy, classics, economics, English, history, modern languages, philosophy, political science and sociology. The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree is awarded in biological sciences, chemistry, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, geology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics and psychology. Formal interdepartmental work is offered in Africana studies; American studies; biochemistry; East Asian studies; environmental studies; Latin American and Caribbean studies; managerial economics; neuroscience; Russian and Eastern European studies; science, medicine and technology in culture; and women’s and gender studies. Multi-disciplinary studies and concentrations within departments are also available at Union, and you can design your own major. Programs in which a student may earn two baccalaureate degrees are available in the following combinations: engineering and Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts or two engineering degrees. Students may also declare up to two academic minors in any of 52 disciplines.
What are some of the multidisciplinary programs offered?
Union has developed a number of curriculum initiatives that represent leading-edge technologies that emerge from the intersection of various fields. Students will find courses, programs and research opportunities in such intersectional fields as bioengineering, digital art, entrepreneurship, environmental science, nanotechnology and neuroscience. To make these accessible to all students, we offer both technical and non-technical courses in small classes and laboratories where faculty and students interact closely. We also support the development of interdisciplinary undergraduate research teams.
Does Union have any accelerated programs?
Union offers Law and Public Policy (B.A. and J.D.) with Albany Law School; Leadership in Medicine (B.S., M.S. or M.B.A., and M.D.) with Union Graduate College and Albany Medical College; and a 5-year Bachelor’s and M.B.A. with Union Graduate College.
What about honors programs?
The Union Scholars Program offers select students several outstanding opportunities. Participants have an enhanced first-year preceptorial; work closely with faculty on individualized projects; and take part in an international experience or off-campus internship. They also can create an enriched program to meet specific needs and objectives.
Does Union have core requirements?
As a college committed to a liberal arts education, Union prepares students for roles as engaged, informed citizens, for careers of their choice and for life-long learning. To be successful in each of these arenas, students are required to pursue subjects and realms of thinking that complement the expertise acquired in their major. Through the General Education (Gen Ed) curriculum, students are encouraged to strive for a breadth of learning. A first-year preceptorial emphasizes critical reading and writing using the perspectives of multiple disciplines, and a sophomore seminar focuses on learning research skills. In a three-course cluster requirement known as “Making Connections across Disciplines,” students learn to bridge and integrate information on a common topic from diverse perspectives. Choosing from among 28 clusters, they may, for example, explore “Asia in Motion,” “Art and Technology,” “Legal and Social Justice” or “Entrepreneurial Thinking.” Students also can make connections across courses by minoring in any of our interdisciplinary programs. We also have requirements in linguistic and cultural competency (how about a term abroad?), quantitative reasoning (a little math?), and science and technology (accessible to all). The Writing Across the Curriculum program calls for all students to take a certain number of courses that use writing as a key element.
What is the faculty-student ratio?
10-to-1. Ninety percent of our faculty members have a Ph.D. or the top degree in their field.
How large are the classes at Union?
Most classes are small, and there a very few lecture classes. The average introductory class has 20 students; average upper level class, 15. Many classes and labs are smaller, and many upper-level courses function as seminars. Of the 207 faculty members, 95 percent hold the most advanced degrees in their fields. All classes are taught by faculty. There are no teaching assistants.
Do students have a lot of contact with professors?
Yes, definitely. Union professors are easily accessible, and they offer personal attention. In fact, one of the things alumni usually cite about Union is the close-knit, and often lifelong, relationships they’ve made with faculty. And not only will you meet with professors about projects and assignments, but there are class dinners, research field trips, campus events and a host of other academic and social activities in Union’s Minerva Houses that bring together faculty and students. Our faculty-to-student ratio is 10-to-1.
What research opportunities does Union offer?
Union vigorously promotes undergraduate research in all academic disciplines, key to developing critical thinking and communication skills. Our students have done research both on and off campus, tailored to their specific passions and interests in a wide range of fields. Nearly every academic department requires students to complete some form of research in their subject area before graduation. The College funds faculty-mentored student research and summer research in all academic disciplines. Union is an active participant in the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research, and each spring, about 400 students take part in the Steinmetz Symposium, a campus-wide showcase of scholarly and artistic achievement.
What kinds of internships are available?
Union students take part in a number of internships in the arts, educational, public policy, non-profit and other arenas. Internships can be part-time, full-time, paid or unpaid, and some can be used for academic credit. Some academic courses include an internship component that allows students to gain relevant experience in their major. Those with an interest in government and the law can spend a 10-week term in Washington, D.C., or participate in a legislative internship in Albany. In addition, the College offers opportunities to pursue a funded summer internship. There are many resources for students seeking internships, including the Becker Career Center and the Kenney Community Center as well as faculty, staff, and alumni. Working through the Kenney Center, for instance, Union students have gotten involved with Proctor’s Theater, the Schenectady City School District, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, the Schenectady Museum and Planetarium and the Hamilton Hill Arts Center.
What kind of academic facilities does Union have?
Union’s nearly 100 buildings include the 16-sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic Landmark and center for lectures and exhibits; Schaffer Library, with 550,000 volumes, 1,500 journals and two online databases that provide access to a quarter million printed books, documents and musical scores; F.W. Olin Center, offering collaborative computer classrooms and labs; the Science & Engineering Center, with specialized research tools for student use. The Taylor Music Center features Emerson Hall, an all-Steinway facility, and the World Music Room; and the Yulman Theater, our theater and dance complex, has three performance spaces, design studio, and scenic and costume shops. Many classes are held in our seven Minervas Houses and in our outdoor classroom. The College recently broke ground for the Peter Irving Wold Science and Engineering Center, which will provide a home for interdisciplinary studies across many departments.
What percentage of Union students go on to graduate work?
Approximately one third of students from each graduating class go directly to graduate or professional school, and Union has earned an excellent reputation for the placement of its graduates in medical, law and business schools.